HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN OKLAHOMA
Careers for pharmacy technicians are growing around the country. Opportunities are available in cities, suburbs, small towns, and rural areas because all pharmacies need techs to keep things running smoothly and to help patients. Technicians take inventory, handle phone calls, take payments, process claims, and package medications. [Leer en español]
In Oklahoma, you are not required to complete a postsecondary educational program to become a pharmacy technician. You only have to be registered with the state and be willing to receive on-the-job training from a licensed pharmacist.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACY TECHS IN OKLAHOMA
The requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in Oklahoma are easy to achieve and are set by the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy (OSBP). You must have finished high school or earned a GED, have good moral character and be physically and mentally capable of doing the job.
You must apply for a pharmacy technician permit through the OSBP to work as a tech. To qualify for a permit, you have to complete on-the-job training at a licensed pharmacy. This means it is up to you to find a pharmacy and pharmacist willing to take you on for training.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN OKLAHOMA
While a formal education is not required to become a pharmacy tech in the state, you may want to complete a post-secondary program for a few reasons. It will give you some basic background knowledge to help you do the job better and be ready for training on the job. A good program will also make you more appealing to employers and give you an advantage over other candidates. Here are some pharmacy technician programs options in Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City. This program meets twice a week in the evenings for about two months and costs just $700. The cost includes three textbooks and 50 instructional hours. You must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Tulsa Community College, Tulsa. In Tulsa, you can complete this program to earn a certificate in pharmacy technology. The coursework includes traditional classroom learning as well as hands-on technical training. This program admits high school students who are at least 18 years old and who have only three credits left to complete.
- Meridian Technology Center, Stillwater. Both high school seniors and adults can enroll in this Stillwater program. It is more involved than other programs and includes 600 hours of instruction. Tuition is $1,800.
- Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION IN OKLAHOMA
Certification is not required in Oklahoma, but you may want to show that you have the knowledge to do the job by applying for and receiving national pharmacy technician certification. There are two widely-accepted options: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Examination for Certification as Pharmacy Technician through the National Healthcareer Association. Each exam costs a little over $100.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION BOARD
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is the leading certifying organization for pharmacy technicians in Oklahoma. It offers a voluntary certification exam that tests your knowledge and practical skills as a pharmacy technician. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pharmaceutical calculations, drug names, pharmacy laws and regulations, patient safety, and dosage forms. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded the Certified Pharmacy Technician certification. You must renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education and paying a renewal fee.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS AND CAREER OUTLOOK
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the annual average salary for a pharmacy tech in the U.S. is $32,700. In Oklahoma, the average in 2018 was $30,790 per year and $14.81 per hour. The techs earning the most in the state made more than $41,990 that year.
The demand for pharmacy technicians is high throughout the country. Across all states, the projection for growth in careers for this kind of position is 12 percent between 2016 and 2026. For Oklahoma, that growth is expected to be a little less but still strong at nearly eight percent.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies throughout the state, under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. aaaa1aThere are pharmacies everywhere, although you will find more opportunities in denser population centers around Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Lawton. Look for jobs in grocery stores and drug stores, hospitals, nursing homes, and other residential care facilities.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Oklahoma?
- Mid-Del Technology Center, Midwest City
- Meridian Technology Center, Stillwater
- Pioneer Technology Center, Ponca City
- Tulsa Community College, Tulsa
- Platt College, Tulsa
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Oklahoma?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record check
- Apply for a pharmacy technician permit through the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy (OSBP)
- Complete on-the-job training at a licensed pharmacy
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Oklahoma?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Oklahoma made an average of $30,790 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $21,860 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $41,990.
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